RESUMEN
Background: Stress is a state of mental tension and worry. A study was conducted in Al Maarefa Colleges, College of Medicine in a sample of 130 female medical students to assess the prevalence of stress
Objectives: This study aimed at determining the prevalence and levels of stress in female medical students. Association of stress with some factors was determined
Method: This was an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study in which a sample of randomly collected female medical students between 3rd and 8th level completed a self-administrated questionnaire. SPPS was used to analyze data and Chi-square test to investigate the association of the proposed variables
Results: students in level 7-8, 78% who were single, 82% of students who studied 2-4 hours/day, 77% of students who chosed their specialty based on their own desire, and 79% of students who had a relationship with their family had low stress. There was a significant association between the adaptation to frequent exams and the levels of stress. [p=0.048]. Otherwise, there was no statistical association between any of the other factors such as hours/day spent on studying, the method of tuition payment or choice of specialty and stress
Conclusion: It was found that the majority of the students had low levels of stress. The highest proportion of low stress was in those who were in level 7-8 and those who were not adapted to frequent examination. It was found that those who had good relations with their family, teachers and colleagues had a low level of stress